JazzFest History

Louie Bellson

Instrument: Drums
Born: Rock Falls, Illinois

"Boy, what an experience that was to listen to the drummers and the dancers from Ghana. There's no way to describe it - you've just got to hear it. They opened up avenues that I didn't even realize existed. It made my composing blossom out more, and my playing became better. It turned my head completely around."